HVNNSW Philosophy and Approach.

The majority of the members of HVNNSW, and in particular, those who attend Hearing Voices Groups, are diagnosed through the mental health system as being “Mentally ill”.

As a consequence the majority of these members will be in the care of mental health professionals in some form.

HVNNSW does not see itself in opposition to the professional beliefs and practices within the mental health system, and therefore does not consider itself to be in conflict in any way in regard to its members and, where applicable, the advice and treatment they receive from their mental health professional supporters.

To the contrary, HVNNSW promotes a strong alliance with the mental health system in any way possible to promote recovery for people who hear distressing voices.

As the HVNNSW Group Guidelines clearly denote:

• These are not clinical groups offering treatment, they are self-help groups.
• They make no assumption on illness.
• They are self-help groups not therapy groups.
• Members are not subject to referral, discharge or risk assessment.

In addition:

HVNNSW its committee and members will not:

• Offer opinion or advice to members regarding medications prescribed by their mental health professional.
• Offer opinion or advice to members regarding issues such as substance abuse or use of drugs.
• Offer opinion or advice about the merits, or otherwise, of clinical, therapy groups and any form of mental health treatment a HV member may be receiving.

Notwithstanding the above, HVNNSW reserves the right to express opinion, as long as it is on an informed basis, and will support contrary views, if such view is supported by undeniable facts, which can be substantiated.